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To mark the Unitarian Universalist Association’s fiftieth anniversary, two Boston congregations hosted a symposium dedicated to envisioning Unitarian Universalism’s future. Organized by the Minns Lectures—an endowed annual series sponsored by First Church in Boston and the Society of King’s Chapel—the two-day gathering in April featured six prominent parish ministers from around the country and drew approximately 100 laypeople, seminarians, and ministers. Participants brooded on some of our contemporary cultural, theological, and institutional challenges. Their focus, though, was on ways liberal religion can speak and act boldly, broadly, and transformatively in a society that has changed dramatically in the past fifty years.
The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Peers, a UU minister and senior consultant with the Alban Institute, moderated the event. In his opening remarks, Peers said that our numbers limit our influence, even if “we cast long shadows.” But then he asked, “How big is our faith? How big is our faith to hold and heal ourselves and others, to grapple with the emerging twenty-first century? How big is our faith to propel us in directions that are truly liberating for human souls and human peoples?”
Selections from each featured speaker are linked to below. Read or watch their complete lectures at minnslectures.org.
Risk Blessing
To avoid decline, Unitarian Universalism must risk offering heart, spirituality, and blessing.
by Christine RobinsonOur Shadow Side
Unitarian Universalism is a religious movement that no longer takes religion seriously.
by Marilyn SewellThe Threat of Fundamentalism
Unitarian Universalists must boldly participate in the religious marketplace of ideas.
by Rosemary Bray McNattA Spirit of Fierce Unrest
It is time for each Unitarian Universalist congregation to find its greatness.
by Vanessa SouthernWilling to Be Changed by What We've Started
Universalism resonates with people of all races, but our churches do not. Yet.
by Robert HardiesFaith Takes Practice
Our religious ancestors recognized each day as a chance to form their spiritual character.
by Ken Beldon
Related Resources
- 2011 Minns Lectures. Full texts and video. (minnslectures.org)